VISCOUNT JELLICOE OF SCAPA.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18019, 6 November 1920, Page 8

VISCOUNT JELLICOE OF SCAPA.

GOVERNOR-GENERAL V ISITS PALMERSTON SHOW. ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME FROM NEW ZEALAND PASTORALISTS-

New Zealand’s new Governor-Gene-ral (Viscount Jellicoe of Scapa). accompanied by Lady Jellicoe, visited the Manawatu Show at Palmerston North on Thursday, and was accorded a hearty reception by the president and officers of the A. and P. Association and the pastoralists of the Dominion.

The Vice-Regal party, with a mounted escort from the Manawatu Mounted Rifles, arrived on the Show grounds at. 1.2.15, and were received by the President' of the Association (Mr W. McKenzie) in front of the grandstand. A most enthusiastic reception was given to the distinguished Admiral of the Grand Fleet, ou this his first visit to Palmerston North, the hearty cheering lasting for some minutes.

Lord and Lady Jellicoe were the guests of the Manawatu A. and P. Association at luncheon, which was attended by some 100 oflicial guests, including Mrs McKenzie, wif e of the president, and Mr Nash (Mayor of Palmerston North),. Mr J. Vigor Browfa, M.P. (Mayor of Napier), Mr G- Mitchell, M.P., and Colonel Melvin, O.C. Wellington Military District.

The president of the Manawatu A. and P. Association, in proposing the health of the Governor-General, said he had great pleasure, on behalf of the Association, which was the largest of its kind in New Zealand, and included amongst its members men from all parts of New Zealand. in extending on behalf of the agricultural and pastoral community of this country a hearty welcome to Lord and Lady Jellicoe. He hoped their sojourn in the Dominion would be amongst the happiest days of their lives. They all highly appreciated the action of His Majesty the King in appointing so distinguished a gentleman as Lord Jellicoe to b e Governor-General of NewZealand. (Loud applause).

The Governor-General, on rising to respond, was greeted with a spontaneous outburst of applause which clearly proved that those present had not forgotten the distinguished services which the sailor-Governor had rendered to the Empire. “I am deeply honoured at the kind reception you have given th e toast,” said His Excellencp, “but I noticed there was just a little uncertainty as to whether you would sing ‘For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow’ or 'For They are Jolly Good Fellows.’ (Laughter). I may tell you that last year Her Excellency got rather above herself, and this tends to make my task of governing ail the more difficult.” (Renewed laughter ) Continuing, in more serious vein, Lord Jellicoe said he regarded it as a great honour to be patron of the Manawatu A. and P. Association,, ajid he was still more proud that the first agricultural show he had been invited to attend in this country should be the. one of which he was patron. The progress made by the Association had been little short of wonderful, as he had learned that when the first show had been held in 1885 they had 200 exhibits, while at the present Show the number of exhibits totalled 4000. This in itself was evidence of the rise of agricultural pursuits in the Manawatu district. He was sure their stay in New Zealand would be happy because the people were all so kind. His Excelleucy concluded by expressing the hope that during his term of office in New Zealand the country would continue to advance at the same rapid rate as the Manawatu A. and P. Association had done in the past.

The health of Lady Jellicoe wvs then proposed by Mr McKenzie, and enthusiastically honoured, “For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow” being sung. “Although you have again helped to make my task out here the harder,” said His Excellency in responding, “and have given Lady Jellicoe an undue sense of her own importance—l agree with you.” (Laughter.)

The Governor-General and Lady Jellicoe then proceeded to take a comprehensive review of the Show, and evince! a close interest in the stock and competitions.